Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary

Risible \Ris"i*ble\, a. [F., fr. L. risibilis, fr. ridere, risum, to laugh. Cf. Ridiculous.]

  1. Having the faculty or power of laughing; disposed to laugh.

    Laughing is our busines, . . . it has been made the definition of man that he is risible.
    --Dr. H. More.

  2. Exciting laughter; worthy to be laughed at; amusing. ``Risible absurdities.''

    I hope you find nothing risible in my complaisance.
    --Sir W. Scott.

  3. Used in, or expressing, laughter; as, risible muscles.

    Note: Risible is sometimes used as a noun, in the plural, for the feeling of amusement and for the muscles and other organs used in laughing, collectively; as, unable to control one's risibles.

    Syn: Ludicrous; laughable; amusing; ridiculous -- Risible, Ludicrous, Ridiculous.

    Usage: Risible differs from ludicrous as species from genus; ludicrous expressing that which is playful and sportive; risible, that which may excite laughter. Risible differs from ridiculous, as the latter implies something contemptuous, and risible does not. [1913 Webster]
    -- Ris"i*ble*ness, n. -- Ris"i*bly, adv.


n. The quality of being risible.